Fireworks use cautioned during Fourth of July

We had a good day of rain Tuesday but it was not enough to lift a no burn order for 33 counties in Alabama which includes the Lake Wedowee area. The no burn order, however, was amended this week.

In its original form, the order put a ban on personal fireworks of any kind. State Forester Linda Casey signed an order Wednesday clarifying the use of fireworks in the counties affected by the no burn order.

The new regulation allows ground level fireworks such as sparklers, poppers and basic firecrackers. However, aerial fireworks such as Bottle Rockets, Sky Rockets, Roman Candles and any other launchable fireworks are PROHIBITED unless it is over open water.

If found guilty of violating this order, you could face fines up to $500 and a sentence up to 6 months in the county jail.

Commercial or Municipal fireworks displays do not fall under this category and are permissible based on a permit from the state forester.